10 Harsh Saltwater Fishing Truths I Wish I Knew In My 20s
- By: Joseph Simonds
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Salt Strong Podcast
There are certain fishing myths, beliefs, and misunderstandings that are flat-out killing your results.
We know because we’ve been through it. The good news? You don’t have to learn everything the hard way.
That’s why we’re giving you our top 10 Saltwater Fishing Truths that will save you from skunked days, embarrassment, and overspending on things that won’t help.
Check out all 10 below:
Featured Software
- Smart Fishing Spots: Your shortcut to the 90/10 Zone (find the feeding areas fast)
- Salt Strong Fishing School: Courses for beginners, intermediate, and advanced anglers
What You’ll Learn
- The techniques that matter way more than buying new gear
- The #1 skill that unlocks more shallow-water fish
- Wind vs. Tide: which one actually decides where fish feed
- The equipment choice you’ve probably been getting backwards
- And the one button on your trolling motor remote that will kill your spot
If any of those hit close to home, you are in the right place.
Got your own hard-earned fishing truth? Share it below the video. Someone else will improve because of you.
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STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Just think of this, in relation to braid line used today! In 1971-74 I won the MET tournament in Miami! In 71 I caught a 26.8 lb African pompano that was bested the next week, So the week after I caught a 30.8lb in 200 ft of water using 10 lb Ande line! That gave me 1st and 3rd place! In 74, I won with a 15.8lb Mutton snapper in plug division. Again deep jigging with lures I made. ( Ambassador reel, 15lb Ande mono line) Both times the line back then was tested to make sure it was in compliance. All the tests were under the approval rating! Because of braid there is no longer testing to assure the accuracy of the division you’re fishing in! The diameter is what they measure, to assure catches! I love braid now, I have evolved! Lol! But 10lb braid today would test easily over 20-30lbs breaking strength! My Ande line back then tested under 9 lbs! My plug division 15 lb line tested at 11lb! I consider the catches made back then extraordinary and they were numerous, placing second third in most categories! Braid gives every angler huge advantages in catching ! Love the tips, hope everyone listens!
So, what do you look for in a good rod other than the $$$ on the tag?
Good feel (light and rigid… not a wet noodle), comfortable grip, good components, and good workmanship.
thanks
Great info! I can say my fishing success has improved a lot in the five+ years I have been part of Salt Strong.
Love it! Thank you, Kristin! We appreciate you.
I can say for me the 2 main things that has helped me in all my 56 years of fishing is experience and trying to think like a fish meaning where would I be if I was a fish for best comfort, best place to hide from other predators, and where the bait would be also wade fishing here in northeast fl is pretty nill with our murky muddy waters and no seagrass and very little sand and as far as the rod being more important then the reel to me is wrong its like I have said more then once to you and thats its a team work effort because no matter the price of both without a reel without a good drag system your better rod is worthless because gaurenteed your going to loose that fish and bait I don’t like the stink and hassel of keeping it alive and in my opinion your not finding the fish like deer hunting where your waiting in one spot using bait your not covering much water and or locating the fish but me im very old fashioned and only say what I have experienced and or seen and now that I am fully retired I have plenty of time to fish but I also feel for me catching fish is only a small part of being on the water the serenity and peace to me is the most important aspect of fishing for me and im not a crowd lover and only fish by myself with the exception of the best friend by far of all the friends I have ever had including humans is my beautiful little west and shitzu mixed little dog named Emma to me what I have found its hard to trust humans as all of the people that said they wanted to be my friend all lied and proved otherwise that’s why I don’t belong to any saltstrong chapters or care to either others do what they want its just not for me thanks for your opinion and all you do
Great info! What weight of mono leader do you use with 10, 20, and 30 lb braid?
That varies based on the conditions and which species I’m targeting… details into the various lines I use are explained in this lesson within the Fishing School: https://www.saltstrong.com/fishing-school/advanced-module/lines/
I turned about 2 years ago man I have not regretted one time there got a lot more than what they’re talked about you on this a smart apps is a lot more than just that app I’ve seen everything on videos and everything and all different apps and stuff this is a very good one
Thank you so much for the kind words, Philip! We appreciate you.
Great vid and wealth of information. Might have to play it for our insiders on the big screen at the Studio Movie Grill – Seminole.
Great idea, Alex!!
Fantastic. Using the wind and current is what I’m really focusing on now. Also not moving into a zone against the current. I read that is one of the worst things you can do when approaching a zone as it’s way more stealthy to approach with current. I made the mistake of hitting spot lock the other day. As soon as I did I saw 5-8 huge mud boils!
YEP! That spot lock anchor can be a spot killer in shallow water
Joe and Luke, Another great video! I whole heartly agree with the positioning. Does not matter what your in one needs to factor in the wind, current and flow. How one approaches the target is sooo important. This is what takes up a lot of my time. I want to spook the least amount of fish when I’m positioning. Also if I’m drifting and not anchored, the return to the starting point is also so important. One needs to be slow and methodical in how they return. I used to power back to the spot and was upset that the fish were not cooperating but were scared away. Then you would have to start all over again.
I love all the points and like you it has taken a very, very long time to learn all 10 points. Now that I’m older (and not much wiser), I pay more attention to my surroundings. Nature is a beautiful lady.
Yes sir. You nailed it, Leo. Appreciate you